The primary aim of the SJCR is to support all of our members during their time at St John’s. To do this we have both day-to-day provisions, as well as long-term projects. Our current projects are listed below, as well as the opportunity for you to give towards them. We are grateful for any time, talents or funds given to the SJCR. If you would like to offer your support, but do not see a project here that resonates with you, please get in touch using the form at the bottom of this page. We would love to discuss any potential projects with you!
– Emi, SJCR President
Upgrading the Welfare Room:
Creating a sensory-positive space for student well-being, social inclusion, and societies.
The welfare room is in a prime loaction, at the centre of Student Activity. However, this room is not being used to its full potential. Currently this wonderful space is often relegated to a storage room with its limited seating and lack of functional workspace. Further to this, the current storage provision is not fit for purpose. The open storage leaves the room feeling cluttered, and the lights are bright and cold. Overall, the Welfare room does not currently fulfill its role as a designated calm and relaxing space. This space has the potential to be so much more with your support.
We have already recieved some support for this project, and have already made some fantastic progress. The pictures below show the space in its original form at the end of last year.
Our Vision for this space, is one that is mutli-use and offers a quiet and intimate space to promote the welfare of all students. This space will be open to all students, and provide a tranquil respite from busy university life for all students, especially Neurodivergent students that need a space for sensory-regulation. The welfare room is centrally located nearby John’s Bar and the Bailey Room. Both are popular social spaces, we envision this space being a cozy alternative where students who prefer calmer environments to come together, whilst still being connected to the social hub of college.
Some other use cases for this room include:
- Continued peer support sessions, with a greater ability to run group sessions, such as our popular “Chat & Craft”
- Mocktail nights in collaboration with John’s Bar
- Society meeting space – from F1 Society to Feminist Book Society
- Movie nights – both planned and improptu!
- Bookable social space for students
- A space for minority groups to meet, for example the growing “Coffee, Cake, & Queers” meet-ups
- A quiet space for students, especially important for those with roomates or noisy housemates!
Current Progress
The first piece of work to be done in this space was to strip out some of the existing furniture which took up space and limited the functionality of the room. Primarily, the counters which spanned the edge of the room. Alongside the existing two armchairs in the space, we now have a large sofa and armchair, as well as two large storage units. These are already being used to store welfare supplies and the board game societies growing collection of games. Two large rugs have also been purchased to cover the tired flooring and make the space warmer. Two table lamps and a floor lamp now cast the room in a warm glow much more befitting the space than the existing cold, bright lights.
We are also working to create a “sensory corner” which will have a lamp, weighted blanket, and bowl of sensory toys close at hand. Additionally, we have sourced items for sensory input such as a bubble tube lamp and white noise machine to allow students to use the space in a way best suited to them. This is especially important for neurodivergent students, but we believe all students may benefit.
Ongoing Work
Over the Easter Break, the re-painting of the Welfare Room will commence. The fireplace will be left with its original wood surround to maintain the character of the space, but all other surfaces will be repainted. The ceilings and upper portion of the wall will be painted a warm white to maintain the brightness of the space, as well as providing a clean background for the notice boards to “pop” against. Our intention for these is to let our largest societies take ownership of a notice board each, showcasing the communities we have within Johns and letting them attract new members. For the lower half of the wall, we have chosen a dusky blue. Pictures will come soon once the work has been completed!
As described in our proposal above, it is important to us that this space can be used for screenings of movies, TV and other recorded media. We are currently sourcing a TV and will consider the need for any additional audio equipment once we have the TV in the space.
We would love to expand further upon this project, updating other tired elements such as the curtains and flooring, as well as expanding the provision of events the space can offer. Please do get in touch using the form below if you would like to be involved in this project.
Ideas for this upgrade have been sourced from the current use of the space, student demands, and research. For example, University of Oxford gives guidance on good practice for welfare rooms, and this infographic produced by the Centre on Disability Studies at the University of Hawi’i summarises the benfits of sensory spaces on campus. To maximise the use of any donations, we will be in continued consultation with College and University student support practitioners.
Funds for Student Participation
We have two main funds for SJCR members to assist their participation in SJCR, college, university and personal development opportunities.
Members Fund
The Members’ Fund is a pot of money set aside in the SJCR budget to help students across Johns with urgent costs that are necessary to allow for their development or welfare. The fund will cover specific costs which students would have been unable to budget for.
Ball Fund
We understand that tickets to Summer and Bailey Ball are a significant cost so this fund enables students who may not otherwise be able to afford a ticket to a Ball to purchase one at a reduced rate. Successful applicants will receive up to 40% off tickets.
How to Give
We are grateful for any donations, whether of time, talent, or funding. Please fill out the form below to contact the SJCR President, who would love to discuss any possible donations with you.
Alternatively, use the following bank details to give funds directly. Please fill out the form, quoting your reference, so we can thank you for your donation and ensure your gift goes to your desired goal.
Account Name: ST JOHNS COLEGE JCR
Reference: DONATION (+ your name/initials)
Sort Code: 08-92-99
Account Number: 65563003